Do your prep.Before you leave home, open the packaging on your bars, but leave the gels intact. Place snacks in the pocket closest to your preferred grabbing hand.

Choose the right bottle cage.You want one that releases easily so you're not playing tug-of-war just to have a drink. We like the classic $5, no-BS, Planet Bike aluminum PB cage; it's secure, but a bottle easily slides in and out of it.

Think about what's coming up.If there's a descent, sharp turn, or climb in your immediate path, wait to refuel. Also, if you're in a pack, common courtesy is to float to the back to do your business.

Get a grip.When you're ready, move your steering hand from the hood to the flat part of the bar, next to the stem, where you'll have maximum stability.

Drink steadily.Take quick swigs about every 20 minutes, instead of waiting so long in between that you have to take a minute-long chug to quench your thirst.

Use your body.You don't need to ride no-handed to crush a gel, but it does look cool. Use this drill to practice steering with your core instead of your hands.

No-Hands DrillSet up six cones, spaced about six feet apart. (Use rocks or halved tennis balls if you don't have cones.) Weave around the cones on your bike with your hands on the bar, but focus on driving through the turns with your core muscles and hips—it feels a bit like skiing, says Gass. Gradually reduce your reliance on your hands. Practice for five to 10 minutes once a week. You should be able to rely on your core to steer after a matter of weeks. Your goal? Get to the point of navigating the chicane hands-free.

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